Chief Engineer
Sierra Nevada CorpResponsibilities:
Technical Leadership
Provide technical guidance and oversight throughout the product lifecycle, from concept design to final release.
Technical Baseline Management
Develop and maintain product line technical baselines that support multiple programs, ensuring consistency, continuity, and configuration control.
Project Oversight
Oversee and manage technology projects, ensuring alignment with business unit strategy and customer requirements.
Proposal Review
Review and approve proposal technical and cost volumes to ensure alignment with company standards and customer expectations.
Operational Guidance
Provide operational guidance to Project Engineers, ensuring technical alignment and project goal achievement.
Customer Interface
Interface with customers to shape requirements and provide technical support during early pursuit phases.
Technical Reviews
Support program and technical reviews, providing guidance on technical solution synthesis.
Qualifications You Must Have:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or a related field.
14+ years of engineering experience with at least 8+ years in a leadership role.
Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
Deep understanding of ELINT/ESM principles, architectures, and technologies, including RF system design, digital signal processing, and sensor integration
Hands-on experience in system engineering lifecycle (requirements analysis, design, integration, verification, and validation) for ELINT/ESM products
Experience performing RF cascade analysis for complex RF systems
Experience analyzing threat databases used for ESM intelligence libraries
Extensive knowledge of Radar parameter measurements and measurement techniques
Experience with hardware/software integration, real-time embedded systems, and C4ISR systems
Knowledge of relevant military standards and compliance (e.g., MIL-STD-461, 810, 704, 882
Minimum 20+ years of systems engineering experience, with at least 10 years in Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), or related defense electronic warfare fields
At least 5 years in engineering management at the director level or higher, leading multidisciplinary engineering teams in a defense or national security environment
Proven track record of successfully delivering complex, mission-critical ELINT/ESM or SIGINT systems or products to government or defense customers
The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams
Experience in strategic planning, resource management, and budget oversight for large-scale engineering programs
Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (program management, business development, manufacturing, quality, and customer stakeholders)
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills; able to represent engineering to executive leadership and external customers
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
Demonstrated experience in proposal development, technical writing, and customer briefings
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
Qualifications We Prefer:
Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
8-10 years relevant leadership and/or project management experience.
Familiarity with industry standards and regulations in the Aerospace and Defense sector.
Experience with advanced engineering tools and methodologies.
Proven leadership abilities inclusive of successful change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, holding people accountable, and conducting yearly reviews.
Proven experience and skills in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, and strategic thinking.
Ability to quickly grasp technical concepts and understand complex technical and program interdependencies.
Previous management experience; ability to recruit employees; assign, direct, and evaluate their work; and oversee staffing development and maintenance.
Demonstrated passion for ideation and innovation, as well as motivating others to act by creating a shared sense of vision or purpose.
Possess a strategic mindset, linking technology and business.
Team oriented with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense (Civilian), NASA/Civil or commercial space and/or US Military, with an understanding of defense, aerospace, intelligence, and adjacent markets.
Prior experience working directly with military or intelligence agenciesExperience with agile development methodologies and digital engineering practices
Active Top Secret/SCI clearance
Experience applying AI tools and techniques to ESM processing
Essential Functions:
Ability to work primarily in an office or hybrid environment.
Ability to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally.
Prolonged periods of working on a computer.
Hand and finger dexterity for computer use.
Occasional travel to customer or field locations may be required.
Capability to work in potentially hazardous environments when visiting project sites.
This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.
SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.
SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!
SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.